Airbus versus Boeing

Boeing and Airbus are direct competitors in the large, medium-to-long range aircraft production. Boeing has dominated the industry for almost a century. Airbus has been catching up as initial investments in research and development made by the European Union pay off. Both are heavily affected by changes in environmental requirements, fuel prices, and the worldwide economic climate.

Airbus was formed through the conglomeration of several companies when the European Union was formed. To help solidify the designs and to jump-start the company, many of the governments gave research and development support to get them started.

The production of the airplanes is very centralized. The manufacturing facilities are often kept close to home to support the governments which helped the company to start up. This also greatly reduces the transportation costs associated with manufacturing, especially when compared to its top competitor, Boeing.

This is changing to some extent. Airbus has opened factories in China ("Opposi

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er soliciting and evaluating responses from many composites manufacturers worldwide, Boeing selected NORDAM to undertake the development of the 787 window frame. NORDAM assembled a team of 30 stakeholders and began the design, development, manufacture, and certification of the composite window frame. (Daily Oklahoman) This also distributes the cost risk among the suppliers, for Boeing only ever has to pay what has been contracted. Naturally this also means that they do not reap the benefits of production improvements, but such stability can make financing the project easier. Most importantly, outsourcing means that Boeing can offer a large assortment of planes. Nothing at Boeing's plants need to be retooled for production to start on the next plane. It can more easily switch between planes being assembled if production delays occur or deadlines approach. Boeing is very good at taking technology from one project and adapting it to another. For example, its Sonic jet, which was meant to lower flight times, had to be shelved after the attacks of September 11, 2001. Boeing has adapted the technology to its new, extra fuel efficient planes instead. Comparison Both Airbus and Boeing have a great deal going for
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